About Maria Batkovic Expertise I can answer any question concerning primary grade (K-3rd) education from the perspective of the student, parent or teacher. My speciality was designing highly creative ways to teach all levels of reading, writing, spelling and math (addition, subtraction, multiplication and fractions). In the last few years, I also became very adept at dealing with students with learning disabilities integrated into mainstream classrooms.
Experience I taught 2nd grade for more than 25 years in Catholic schools in New York City and Northern California.
Expert: Maria Batkovic Date: 2/14/2008 Subject: Reading for 1st grade level
Question Hi
I am an instructional aide at a Title 1 elementary school working with latino students in the 1st grade. I specifically work with a few students who need help with reading. They know very few words but do know there sounds. What kind of activities can I use to help these kids learn the basics of reading? I have used letter cards, word cards, short story books, etc. Is this just a matter of consistent repitition or can you provide me with any tips to help this kids.
Thank you
Answer Hello Vanessa,
It seems that you are doing everything you possible can to help these first graders. You and the classroom teacher should be team in this effort and all resources should be used. Speak with the classroom teacher, resource teacher, reading specialist etc. and find out what other strategies have been successful with this type of student. Repetition and consistency as you mentioned is very important. Too manuy new things will be confusing . Read more stories aloud, play word games, use a listening center, word walls, computer language arts programs, singing songs, picture identification, journal writing, etc.
Good luck to you and have fun with your reading group.
MB
